RELATIVES of vulnerable old folk suffering from dementia have slammed the decision to close a care home unit.

Devastated elderly residents have been told they will have to move out of Armstrong House, which is owned by Southern Cross Healthcare, after Gateshead Council decided to close its dementia unit.

The residential home, in Bensham, Gateshead, was closed to new admissions after a number of concerns were raised about the care of its elderly residents – including medication errors, residents left cold and covered in food stains, as well as a stench of urine and odour filling the home.

It provides accommodation and personal care for 71 people, including 32 beds for people suffering from dementia, and was given a zero star poor rating when it was inspected by the Care Quality Commission in January 2010.

Now, Gateshead Council has revealed that all residents living on the top floor will be moved to other homes in borough, unless it puts their lives in danger.

But families have reacted in anger after staff worked hard to improve the home.

One concerned man, whose mother-in-law has lived there for three years, said the upheaval was very traumatic for the residents.

The man, who doesn’t wish to be named, said: “I want to know what the reasons are as to why they are stopping this service. It is like a kick in the teeth for all the staff who have worked hard to change the conditions.

“Most people feel quite happy about the treatment their relatives are getting.

“We are not happy at all with the decision. It is very traumatic for all the elderly people to be moved. I have asked my mother-in-law if she wants to move and she said ‘No, this is my home’. Even if you have dementia you recognise faces.”

A woman, who regularly visits the home, said: “There was a 93-year-old woman being moved out two weeks ago who screamed in protest.

“They are sending these residents their death certificates and it is appalling.”

Gateshead Council head of adult social care and housing, Michael Laing, said: “After a number of investigations into care at Armstrong House, a decision was made that the needs of the vast majority of residents receiving dementia care there could be better served in other homes.

“All but residents who would be unduly affected by a move will be transferred to care homes nearby which have space available. There is adequate supply of dementia care in Gateshead, giving residents a choice of alternative homes.

“We have invited relatives of all dementia care residents at Armstrong House to a meeting which will give the opportunity to discuss the situation.”

A spokeswoman from Southern Cross said: “Senior management is continuing to meet with Gateshead Council in an attempt to address the Council’s concerns over the dementia care services provided at Armstrong House.”